Christian Jerome Eck, Jr.

Of Optimus

Christian Jerome Eck, Jr., son of the late Christian Jerome Eck, Sr and Margaret Hannah Cundiff Eck, was born August 25, 1934 in Jacksonville, Florida. He departed this life December 20, 2019 in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 25 days. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Joy Sweeney April 30, 1954 and together they raised three sons. Christian proudly served in the United States Marine Corp, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired with the rank of Major with 23 ½ years of service. He was an entrepreneur, owning and operating Optimus Country Store and Calico Rock Hardware. He was a community leader serving on the Chamber of Commerce, Calico Rock VFW and American Legion. He was of the Methodist faith and a member of Calico Rock United Methodist Church were he served as Lay Leader.

Christian is survived by his wife of 64 years: Carolyn Eck of the home; three sons and three daughters-in-law: Christian J. Eck, III and Mary Ann of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Laurin P. and Darla Eck of Stafford, Virginia and David T. and Angela Eck of Optimus; one brother: Julius P. Eck and wife JoAnn of Shreveport, Louisiana; one sister: Rosalie Blake of Connecticut; twelve grandchildren: Cassandra Landrum (Peter), Lindsey Kile (Nathan), Jeremy Eck (Heather), Jason Eck, Matthew Eck (Erin), Rheannan Eck, Kaytlyn Eck, Ashleigh Eck, Lisa Eck, Margaret "Maggie" Boger (Todd), Christian J, (IV), Cindy Foster (Mike); thirteen great grandchildren: Lukas, Kadence, AJ, JT, Bethany, Hope, Arrow, Kayleigh, Hudson, Sage, Emmalyn, Joy, Abigail; three sisters-in-law: LaVerne Sweeney of Marietta, Georgia, "Little" Mickie Sweeney of Columbia, South Carolina; adopted sister: Kay Dean of Marrietta, Georgia and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Margaret Kinnear.

Memorial service with Marine Corp Honors will be held Monday, December 30 at Calico Rock United Methodist Church with Laura Jo Prange and Paul Seay officiating. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m.   Memorial service begins at 11:00 a.m.  Arrangements by Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock.

Memorials may be made to: Royal Family Kids Camp, 209 Church Street, Mountain View, Arkansas 72560. mountainview.royalfamilykids.org . Calico Rock United Methodist Church, 11611 AR 56 Hwy, Calico Rock, Arkansas 72519.